Episode 6 from hypothetical newcomer POV:
Interesting drama with Ventress getting the boot, and involving drawing from the same stock as Maul. It didn’t feel contrived and seemed to make sense. It did seem weird not to really involve the very first scene of the series where Maul is found alive somehow.
The episode itself felt long, and I was having a hard time staying away, but that was mostly my fault. I agree that I found myself wondering… “Where’s Poochie?” Since it’s been a while since seeing Ashoka. I don’t mind not seeing her, but it makes me wonder if she did end up becoming Anakin’s apprentice after all.
Overall the story was well structured and I noticed parallels in the story I may not have if it were split into 3 or 4 parts. Ventress becomes the next Sidious by creating the same situation for someone else that she felt so hurt by.